Pro Pundits - Darren

The Southampton players I’m considering for my ‘big-at-the-back’ FPL team

A Fantasy Premier League veteran of 11 years, Darren Wiles has an incredible track record with three top 1k finishes in the last four seasons.


Unusually for me, I was a little late to the Fantasy Football party this season. All while most managers were busy planning their drafts since the launch, I was busy packing up boxes in the process of moving house. 

I have been desperate to get started and now that mission has been completed, I have finally been able to start planning for Gameweek 1.

It’s easy to see why moving house is widely regarded as a stressful time in our lives but let me tell you…it’s a walk in the park compared to working out how we’re going to get in the Manchester United and Manchester City assets into our teams for Gameweek 2.

So, after registering my team, assessing the fixtures and diving into some data in the Premium Members Area, I now feel ready and equipped to share my current draft along with a few ideas I have.

Best players by position:

1,137 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tough decision between benching a United player GW1 or taking a hit GW2. Obviously neither ideal.

    Almost inevitable that Bruno & KDB will both have a least one price rise before GW2....

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think Bruno will rise before GW2 and KDB in GW3

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Early planned transfer for him on Saturday / Sunday needed.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      a Hit in wk 2 is crazy. plan properly.,

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No chance IMO. Both will rise a minimum of 0.1 barring any unforeseen issues.

    4. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm benching Bruno. Might be crazy thinking but he's just had a baby so maybe he'll be even more careful than others

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think having one in your GW1 squad and either buying one more in GW2 then another in GW3, or 2FT in GW3 is fairly painless. I'm doing that.

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Huh? Will he be carrying on his back or something?

    5. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Deffo go for the bench option. I’ll have Bruno on there for GW

    6. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1

      1. Gingerman
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Planned transfers are obviously iffy, there is no easy answer. Good luck needed all round, only some will make the right choices. Fantasy fun.

    7. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think the advantage could be gw3 because you can just hold gw2 to get more info

      Then 2ft’s to do get kdb and whichever Chelsea mid is is firing

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Someone already said this above

    8. Fit of Pique
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm not so sure they will rise (or at least by very much)

      Think there's precedent for FPL manually intervening on price changes before?

      Can imagine they would be motivated to do this to assist the majority of players

  2. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How do you expect Chelsea to line up across the back?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      GW1 .. Alonso Rudi AC Azpi

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James Zouma Rudiger Azpilicueta

      I’m interested in James, but a wait and see..

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        James back in training?

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It was a knock so expected to be back for Brighton

          1. Siva Mohan
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            cheers

  3. Ron_Swanson
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Money

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Money

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      more please

    3. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's a gas.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Think I'll buy me a football team

        1. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash

          1. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            It's hit ...

    4. Thug
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've got bad news for you sunshine...Pink isn't well ... stayed back at the hotel (in iceland)

  4. klopp4kop
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rate my Team:
    McCarthy
    Taa Davies Mitchell
    Mane(C) Auba Son Barnes JWP
    Werner DCL

    Bench : douglas, brewster, Jhonson

    Will wildcard on Gw 3. Thoughs on the team for the first 2 GWs?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If its only for the first two GWs,
      - I see vardy outscoring werner
      - Spurs conceding in both games, and not scoring many

      1. klopp4kop
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I did keep Vardy but his pre-season hasnt been great at all...kept barnes hoping to cover some points if vardy goes mad.

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      DCL could be a shrewd pick with Everton's fixtures. Just better hope the pre-Covid DCL turns up.

      1. klopp4kop
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        indeed

  5. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Soucek
    B. Ward Prowse

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      easy B

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A + 1m

  6. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    In 442, A or B??

    A) Doherty and a 4.5 - will be starting two 4.5s every week
    B) Dier and a 5.5 (who) - will be starting one 4.5

    Current back 5:
    TAA Doherty AWP Justin Dallas

  7. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good article. Short and to the point. I like that.

  8. Red Red Robins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I like Tierney at 5.5 if he was WB, but wth AMN there i think he'll spend alot of time at CB. Not worth it at 5.5 if CB?
    Do people think he'll be WB this year with the signings made?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      surely ..

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hi, from which state?

        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Bengaluru, KA

          1. Eleven Hag
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            nice mate...from Hyd

            1. Siva Mohan
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              cheers.. I am from AP working in KA

              link your team to your profile..

              1. Eleven Hag
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Where should I paste the URL mate? Is it under your current profile URL?

                1. Siva Mohan
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  My profile --> Website

                  1. Eleven Hag
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    done 🙂

                    1. Siva Mohan
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      12 years in FPL? good

                      1. Eleven Hag
                        • 6 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        hhehe still not a single decent rank, I see you have got some good finishes...what team are you going with this time

                      2. Siva Mohan
                        • 11 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        yet to set a team but will go with usual suspects .. Salah/Son/Auba/TAA/Werner/McCarthy etc

                      3. Eleven Hag
                        • 6 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        good luck mate.....going with Bruno over Salah myself for first few GWs and get Salah back in GW 6 or 7

                      4. Siva Mohan
                        • 11 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        GW1 .. Mane or no LIV cover?

                      5. Eleven Hag
                        • 6 Years
                        3 years, 6 months ago

                        No liverpool mid for GW1, I feel that the team could be setup better without them, if you are alrady set to transfer them out after the Leeds game (pray Leeds can do alright)

  9. samde_guru
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm really thinking I need to get Fernadez in and bench him

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno and KDB/Sterling will be my 10m+ assets going forward. difficult to fit in Salah/Mane along with Bruno

    2. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      100% the way forward. He was first in my team and the GW1 blank didn’t change that at all

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i agree to bench seems the right call ,so its martial for me ,whoever plays striker for utd historically scores loads
      yorke
      cole
      sheringham
      cantona
      van nistlerooy
      van persie
      berbatov
      rooney
      lukaku

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Lukaku and Berba scored loads?

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe he can define "loads" for you.

          1. Jordan.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            berbatov 21 2010
            lukaku 27 2017
            forgot ibrahimovic as well 28 2016

            maybe that defines loads ,point is whoever it is they do get goals

            1. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              We are talking PL goals as this is about fpl.

              1. Jordan.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                didnt want an argument ,its just the way it seems to me and thats the point of a forum ,i will take tony and 1.5 coins over bruno and wish you well with your choice all good...

                1. Tinkermania
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  I will take Tony too. Not because of what Berbatov did though 😉

      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Owen? Forlan? Alan Smith?

  10. foreverton
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Digne lose his corners/free-kicks to James?

    1. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I expect so.

    2. klopp4kop
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yes

    3. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      From a fan perspective, I hope so. I want to see James as involved as possible. He's a player that thrives on creative opportunities. From a FPL it's bad for Digne. But until we can improve our defence (CB/Coleman's legs are going/Pickford's Arms) I'll not be picking a blue for my back 3.

  11. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Enda Stevens likely to start GW1? Didn't play in any Sheffield friendlies though he did feature for the national team.

    1. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Should start

  12. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Doherty + Mitrovic or
    B. Egan + DCL ?
    Thanks.

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  13. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So Everton signed James.

    I got double Spurs defence.. should I be worried?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      may come off the bench .. nothing to worry in GW1

    3. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will need 2-3 weeks minimum.

    4. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not in the slightest

    5. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all. That's what I wanna hear/read

  14. Konstaapeli
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Did Bruno score a penalty with national team since everyone's thinking of benching him for GW1?

    1. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What's that got to do with wk1 benching?

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        In this site, everything 😆

        In here a player is as good as his last game. One can become an essential or a total bum choice in a matter of 90 minutes.

  15. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    4.5 defenders looking thin on the ground

    Who’s your go to now other then kwp (avoiding triple up)

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is Vinagre's departure concrete, or still just conjecture?

    2. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Any chance Saliba will be nailed?

    3. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TAA + KWP then Taylor (benched) in GW2. Taking a punt on one of Vinagre and Mitchell playing (Starting Vinny)

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Taylor on bench here

    5. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin is still nailed or has that gone as well ?

    6. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Upgrading to the great 5.0s

    7. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KWP and Lascelles for me.

    8. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pieters,W-P, Taylor

    9. QUEN
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Leeds boys, Lamptey, Justin and KWP atm.

      Worried about Lamptey & Justin minutes so will see. Might move to more nailed players

  16. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi ! How is this for a latest draft? Upgraded my defense so that every one of 5 defs is a starter, because i have a feeling i'm gonna need them all:

    McCarthy
    TAA/Davies/KWP
    Salah/Auba/Alli/ASM
    Ings/Jimenez/Mitro

    0.5 itb for Jimenez > Martial
    Obviously no Chelsea, but cant have them all. One option would be to downgrade def to 4.0 and Alli>Havertz, but then no spurs attack

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      bench: Nyland/ Webster/Taylor/Bissouma

    2. TH
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like it, everyone on Werner but I can't see it from the off

      Can you get Son instead of Alli?

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Only if Mitrovic becomes Armstrong and one of defs become 4.0, which i would like to avoid

    3. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Been playing a very long time and i truly can't remember ever needing my 3rd sub. Just put junk in there.

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You will need them this season. Bookmark this.

        1. Tommyg
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          They say that every season.

  17. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How to sort it? Would you downgrade one from Werner, Mitro, Ings and Son?

    McCarthy/4.0
    TAA/Davies/Vinagre/4.5/4.0
    Salah/Auba/Son/4.5/4.5
    Werner/Ings/Mitro

    1. TH
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      if you downgrade who would you put in? I can't see many good Mid options for slightly more ££

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Just means playing one of 4.5 every one

  18. TH
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I just don't know......

    McCarthy
    TAA - KWP - Doherty - Robbo
    Auba - Son - ASM
    Jimenez - Mitro - Ayew (C.Wilson) if I can

    Soucek - Douglas - Bruno

  19. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is ampadu arrival at SHU threatening Egan starting berth?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ampadu was the best center back at Chelsea imho and was exceptional for Wales over the last week - if he gets game time he will nail down a place at Sheff Utd

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        and he is still 19 .. he needs games and CHE couldn't give it in last 2 seasons.. one for the future

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          i am worried about Egan in my lineup - may need to swap him for someone else

          1. RED HOT CHILLI
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Meanwhile Sheffield United have signed Derby pair Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe and sealed a loan deal for Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu.

            The wing-backs have both signed four-year deals at Bramall Lane and move for an undisclosed combined fee while Wales international Ampadu will spend the season on loan.

            Chris Wilder told the club website: "The Championship has been a great recruitment area for us and I wanted to bring some young players in who will provide competition for places.

            "Jayden and Max will put huge pressure on George (Baldock) and Enda (Stevens).

            "It was important we got the right characters, the right type of players, ones who are athletic and technically very good, both are modern-day wing-backs and I’m looking forward to working with them."

            Regarding Ampadu, he added: "Ethan is an outstanding young player for Chelsea, and we’ve worked really hard to get his signature for the season.

            "It’s an important season for Ethan and playing in the Premier League for us is a good move for everyone. He brings a lot of qualities to the group and he’s someone we’ve tracked for two or three seasons."

  20. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on James @ Everton? A good player by the stats imho.

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      he has good stats as AM, LW and RW .. in watchlist

      1. Tommyg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah. I like the look of him. Depending on his price he looks to be a good buy.

        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          8 probably

  21. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Love the Michu style finish and celebration

    https://mobile.twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1303061870341955586

  22. Ron_Swanson
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Marcal in at 5.0 is disappointing

    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What would you expect? 🙂

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m quite happy there isn’t a wolves option at 4.5
      Makes the game too easy, not only for yourself, but for everyone else too

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Indeed

  23. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    One article and everyone has 3 forwards all of the sudden..

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What article?

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Latest one...

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          The one we're commenting on, lateriser's one? Severely doubt any article, no matter how brilliant has caused that impact. It's more people realizing how fantastic the forward options are this year.

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Magnug Carlsen draft also has 3 FW

      1. beetlejuice
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Where can I see it?

  24. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who are opening of season whipping boys?

    I'll go first:

    Crystal Palace
    West Brom
    Fulham

    I'm not sure but I think Brighton are gonna have a hard time also.

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Fulham will get battered

      1. Tommyg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        So will palace with there injuries. Definitely targeting whomever is playing them. Ings is gonna have a field day.

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      West Ham

  25. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Interesting to see how much Wilson will be but pretty sure he’ll be 7+ but I’m hoping 6.5

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Can't see it. Started at 8.0 last season so maybe 7.5

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      7 is charitable, else 7.5

  26. Avery
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft

    McCarthy
    Tierney | Lascelles | Davies
    Salah | Auba | Son | Zaha | ASM
    Werner | Ings

    Button | CTaylor | Douglas | Davis

    Potential moves - see how things pan out
    Zaha to Greenwood/foden
    Salah to KDB
    Son to Chelsea mid

  27. hackling22
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Also a big fan of the Liverpool defence double up. RMT:

    McCarthy/Ryan
    TAA, Robertson, Davies, Vinagre, Mitchell
    Salah, Auba, Greenwood, ASM, Bissouma
    Werner, Mitro, Adams

    Saints/Brighton have a very nice fixture rotation for the GK spot. Benching Greenwood GW1 with the plan of bringing in KDB for Auba in GW3

  28. LloristheHounds
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Davies, salah, Alli, soucek, adams
    Or
    B) doherty, ziyech, ASM, JWP, Kane

    ??

  29. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    No action in the RWB position for Wolves yet. Probably they start like this if Vinagre is leaving?

    Patricio
    Boly Coady Saiss
    Traore Neves Moutinho Marcal
    Podence Jimenez Jota

    If so Podence may worth a punt.

    1. Tosa86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      coady is fit?not injuried?
      traore is covid positive.

  30. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    salah or manè? or neither?

    Pope - Ryan
    VVD - mitchell - douglas - doherty - egan
    auba - zaha - salah/manè - foden - soucek
    werner mitro antonio

    OR

    Pope - button
    VVD - mitchell - douglas - doherty - egan
    auba - zaha - bruno - (chelsea) - soucek
    werner mitro antonio

    any suggestion?
    another goalkeeper insted pope?
    who from chelsea?

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The 2nd one

      1. Tosa86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        why?